2025 Draft Thread

[doclinkin]

Its nonsense. Just a dude shouting on youtube. There's money in the NIL era but Cooper stands to make a billion over his career if he jumpstarts it early with the #1 overall pick. No one would advise him against it. He's already suffered an ankle issue. The early entry withdrawal is after the lotto, so in theory he could return to school when he knows the order, but if he enters the draft the Wiz are taking him regardless. Blowhards like using the Wizards as a punching bag, and see only the win/loss record of the last couple years but but don't pay attention to the change of direction. It will be that much more satisfying if and when we can make them all choke on it as the youth movement grows up.

Somehow it is a headline that a star college kid really likes college. And that he says he's not focused on the NBA since he's trying to win a championship. What else would you expect him to say?

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Queen will still go in the lottery, some team would love to have him as their PF.

I can't believe how many Wizards fans don't see Queen as a natural fit next to Sarr. Alex draws bigs outside. Derik mauls slower, less mobile bigs and smaller swing men inside.

How many assists would both big men generate on big-to-big passes?0

You've been sounding off on Queen for a minute now, and it made me look into him since he was local..... Surprised at how good he is, but my only concern with him is if he's 6'8.5" or 6'10". Does his wingspan make up for that, and the fact that he's already 20..... But you are definitely on to something with this type of player to pair with Sarr.... Are there any other players with a similar skillset to Queen who are either younger or larger?? If not he may be the right guy if we whiff on the top 2-3 picks.....

He does look more like 6'8.5".

[pancakes3]

he'll have to get a 3 point shot like Julius Randle did.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I can't believe how many Wizards fans don't see Queen as a natural fit next to Sarr. Alex draws bigs outside. Derik mauls slower, less mobile bigs and smaller swing men inside.

How many assists would both big men generate on big-to-big passes?0

You've been sounding off on Queen for a minute now, and it made me look into him since he was local..... Surprised at how good he is, but my only concern with him is if he's 6'8.5" or 6'10". Does his wingspan make up for that, and the fact that he's already 20..... But you are definitely on to something with this type of player to pair with Sarr.... Are there any other players with a similar skillset to Queen who are either younger or larger?? If not he may be the right guy if we whiff on the top 2-3 picks.....

He does look more like 6'8.5".

Watching the game last night I do think Klingan is essentially the comp for Maluach and I can definitely see the logic of drafting him if we end up out of the top 3, and would even consider him at 3. It would be intriguing to pair Maluach and Sarr together.

I do also like Queen, and don't mean to dismiss him. He's got the legit size for PF, and is immensely skilled offensively. He just seems pretty firmly entrenched in that area of the draft outside out top pick and too high for our 2nd pick I don't see him as a real option.

The player I'm most intrigued by in regards to our 2nd pick is Fleming, as well as Sorber. I have doubts if Sorber will be in the draft, but if he is he may be my top target there. But there are several PF/C prospects I like that look like they could be available to us with that 2nd pick.

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=alex-condon--rasheer-fleming--thomas-sorber--jt-toppin--danny-wolf

https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-nba-mock-draft/
https://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-big-boards/2025-nba-mock-draft-two-round-projections-entering-march-madness
https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-mock-draft-full-2-round-predictions-and-pro-comparisons-as-tournament-play-begins



Current Mock Positions:


Rasheer Fleming

Draft Room: 20 Tankathon: 22 Sports Illustrated: 12. Bleacher Report: 23

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Thomas Sorber

Draft Room: 26 Tankathon: 19 Sports Illustrated: 20 Bleacher Report: 21

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Danny Wolf

Draft Room: 29 Tankathon: 20 Sports Illustrated: 21 Bleacher Report: 29

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JT Toppin

Draft Room: 23 Tankathon: 31. Sports Illustrated: 25 Bleacher Report: 34

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Alex Condon

Draft Room: 31. Tankathon: 39. Sports Illustrated: NA Bleacher Report: 40

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[AFM]

Need I even say it?

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DDQ!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Another player I like in the 2nd round is Texas Tech SG Darrion Williams (D5). A Justin Champagnie type of player, versatile, does a little of everything, hard nosed, gritty, does the little things/the dirty work, makes winning plays.


Current mock position:

Draft Room: 52 Tankathon: 48 Bleacher Report: 43


Bleacher Report:
Size: 6’6″, 225 lbs
Age: 21
Darrion Williams will have some NBA teams detecting a fit with his 6’6″ size, shooting and 4.0 assists per game. He’s one of the better wing passers in the draft, as well as a three-level scoring threat with his pull-up and unique post game, using his strength and over-the-shoulder touch from the left block.

Draft Room:
A fundamentally sound player who impacts all aspects of the game. Has great feel and can really pass the rock. A fundamentally sound and productive player who isn’t super flashy but does all the dirty work, has really good feel/court vision and is a plus player on both ends. Looks the part of a NBA role player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands a lot and will do whatever is needed to help the team win. Probably more of a second round prospect but is underrated and has some sneaky upside.

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[prime1time]

Need I even say it?

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DDQ!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like Queen but he's defensive potential scares me. He's in that Sengun/Jokic mode. But if you can't be a two way player I'm leaning towards being a pass. Teams are going to attack Queen relentlessly in switches and he doesn't protect the rim. To make it work his offense has to be such a plus that it overcomes his lackluster defensive impact. To be clear, this is with him being super locked in defensively. It's really tough to have a good defense and him to be a starter/eat major minutes.

With that being said Queen will be a good NBA player. I'd like him in a Naz Reid role. Coming in off the bench and providing offensive pop. I would definitely be interested in trading back into the second half of the lottery to acquire him. But his defensive liabilities concern me.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Which tourney games are most relevant to our draft?

There has been some talk about trading down for Queen but
I’m unclear about how or if the protections of our pick would be a factor.
I would assume it’s the original slot of our own pick that
is the determining factor in who gets the pick and that any
trade of or for an additional pick isn’t relevant to what the Nix
ultimately receive.

I know we have a second much later FRP too.

It varies .... Just looking at the 1st bracket set of games, these are the ones I'm most interested to watch....

3/20
Creighton vs Louisville 12:15 CBS
BYU vs VCU 4:05 TNT
Gonzaga vs Georgia 4:35 TBS

3/21
Baylor vs Mississippi State 12:15 CBS
Alabama vs Robert Morris 12:40 TruTV
Duke vs American/Mount Saint Mary's 2:50 CBS
Maryland vs Grand Canyon 4:35 TBS
UConn vs Oklahoma 9:25 TNT
Illinois vs Texas/Xavier 9:45 CBS

There's a good NIT game to watch tonight if you get ESPN+ (which I don't)

Saint Joseph's vs UAB at 7pm

Rasheer Fleming vs Yaxel Lendeborg

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/preview/_/gameId/401751944



Also the Tournament Play-In Game

An opportunity to watch Tre Johnson

Texas vs Xavier 9:10 p.m. on truTV. (I think the start time on this has been pushed back to 9:45)

[closg00]

Need I even say it?

Watch on YouTube

DDQ!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will say it, MUFFIN TOP ...love the kid

[doclinkin]

I think I’d take Collin Murray Boyles over Derik Queen.


I buy the defense which will help him stay on the floor while he figures out what else he can do. I think his jumper will improve as he needs it. I’d used Draymond Green as a comp but even if he falls short of that he’s too smart to fail. Boris Diaw would be the backup comparison.

I think Queen has the greater upside, with top level trainers and conditioning. But the kind of smarts CMB displays are a high end talent of their own.

[prime1time]

A lot of people are moving Ace down boards but I don't see it. I think the key is that you have to give these guys time to develop. Drafting an Ace or drafting a Jabari Smith and putting them into a situation where a team is trying to win right away is going to curtail their growth.

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How many times does Smith actually put the ball on the floor here? It's actually insane. If you're drafting Jabari Smith to be a 3 and D, with a little bit of roll man sprinkled in, drafting him at 2 doesn't make sense.

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But look at Trey Murphy here. Look at how diverse his offensive attack is. When he was drafted people projected him as a 3 and D. But look at how his role has grown.

I think more and more players especially big wings are going to start doing what Alex Sarr did. The Rockets owner wanted to compete as soon as possible and by doing so, he curtailed the development of his young players and probably pigeonholed their careers. I say all of this because Ace Bailey needs time. Let me repeat that, he needs time. Ace is currently 18 and he will play his entire rookie year as a 19 year old. It's fascinating seeing all these people hate on his ability to create off the dribble. How many big wings were creating off the dribble at a high level at 18?

The list is short and all of them are stars. It's why Flagg is a lock to go 1. Tatum is another one. Melo is another one. Bron is another one. KD is another one.

Ace is not on that level. But if he gets time to develop his game he has the potential to be on that level. But Ace - like Jabari Smith - is in the in between area where he could help a team win now. If I'm Ace I'm forcing myself to a team like the Nets or the Wizards or the Jazz or the Hornets.

[Frichuela]

I think I’d take Collin Murray Boyles over Derik Queen.


I buy the defense which will help him stay on the floor while he figures out what else he can do. I think his jumper will improve as he needs it. I’d used Draymond Green as a comp but even if he falls short of that he’s too smart to fail. Boris Diaw would be the backup comparison.

I think Queen has the greater upside, with top level trainers and conditioning. But the kind of smarts CMB displays are a high end talent of their own.

I'm with you here. If we drop to #5 or #6, CMB has to be in consideration as there are no clear cut prospects #5-14. Great basketball IQ and smarts. Obviously, his shooting needs a lot of work. But his FT shooting improvement from his freshman year should give some hope. Bonus: he would fit Sarr like a globe!

[tontoz]

I think I’d take Collin Murray Boyles over Derik Queen.


I buy the defense which will help him stay on the floor while he figures out what else he can do. I think his jumper will improve as he needs it. I’d used Draymond Green as a comp but even if he falls short of that he’s too smart to fail. Boris Diaw would be the backup comparison.

I think Queen has the greater upside, with top level trainers and conditioning. But the kind of smarts CMB displays are a high end talent of their own.

I'm with you here. If we drop to #5 or #6, CMB has to be in consideration as there are no clear cut prospects #5-14. Great basketball IQ and smarts. Obviously, his shooting needs a lot of work. But his FT shooting improvement from his freshman year should give some hope. Bonus: he would fit Sarr like a globe!

In b4 CCJ meltdown

[AFM]

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What were those three letters again? oh yeah... DDQ!!!!!!!!!!

[doclinkin]

Bonus: he would fit Sarr like a globe!

I mean he's a little tubby, but not quite that round...

[Dat2U]

I think I’d take Collin Murray Boyles over Derik Queen.


I buy the defense which will help him stay on the floor while he figures out what else he can do. I think his jumper will improve as he needs it. I’d used Draymond Green as a comp but even if he falls short of that he’s too smart to fail. Boris Diaw would be the backup comparison.

I think Queen has the greater upside, with top level trainers and conditioning. But the kind of smarts CMB displays are a high end talent of their own.

We have a roster filled with bad shooters. Sarr, Coulibaly, George all struggle to hit jumpers consistently. I'd seriously hesitate before adding a non-shooter to that mix, especially a guy that doesn't even attempt many perimeter shots.

At some point, you need to put these kids in the best position to succeed offensively by giving them the proper spacing to operate. It's why Malauch is not at the top of my board despite his impressive measurements. I look at our 4 recent draft picks and see the biggest flaw in all of them is shot making.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I think I’d take Collin Murray Boyles over Derik Queen.


I buy the defense which will help him stay on the floor while he figures out what else he can do. I think his jumper will improve as he needs it. I’d used Draymond Green as a comp but even if he falls short of that he’s too smart to fail. Boris Diaw would be the backup comparison.

I think Queen has the greater upside, with top level trainers and conditioning. But the kind of smarts CMB displays are a high end talent of their own.

We have a roster filled with bad shooters. Sarr, Coulibaly, George all struggle to hit jumpers consistently. I'd seriously hesitate before adding a non-shooter to that mix, especially a guy that doesn't even attempt many perimeter shots.

At some point, you need to put these kids in the best position to succeed offensively by giving them the proper spacing to operate. It's why Malauch is not at the top of my board despite his impressive measurements. I look at our 4 recent draft picks and see the biggest flaw in all of them is shot making.

I agree with this to a certain extent. I do really like CMB , I love his game and his BBIQ, the way be reads the floor on both ends. I just am not sold on his game translating. He really is undersized for the 4, although he has great length, I don't know that he has superior athleticism to overcome the size, and he is lacking the perimeter skills and shooting to convert to the wing.

But I also see the general lack of shooting across the roster as an indicator of the team building philosophy of Winger/Dawkins. They just don't view it as that important in their player evaluations, in comparison to defense, length, ability to handle and initiate, pass, and play up tempo. So when trying to predict the players they may have interest in, that is something to take under consideration.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Btw, Tre is done. Texas just got knocked out by Xavier.

[doclinkin]

At some point, you need to put these kids in the best position to succeed offensively by giving them the proper spacing to operate. It's why Malauch is not at the top of my board despite his impressive measurements. I look at our 4 recent draft picks and see the biggest flaw in all of them is shot making.

‘Some point’ is not next year. Personally I’m not saying I’d take either Queen or CMB in the 5 or 6 spot. I envision one or the other slipping down the draft boards after measurements. Same way I think players like Rasheer Fleming or Yaxel Lendeborg to climb, they’re going to measure long.

I do think our FO will try to trade up into the early 20s or mid first round where I think they’ll be positioned to catch a guy that falls.

But I absolutely would pick Maluach if we slip out of position. Shory scorers like Mitchell or Brunson switched teams. Jrue and DWhite. It is easier to find a shot creator than a mobile and playable defensive giant.

I don’t think we are in position to pick for ideal chemistry and role anyway. We need to lose for one more year. I’m fine with snatching the biggest upside player in the draft and living with the short term results.

I expect our rooks will all show up with improved 3pt range after the summer. They seem motivated and smart enough to know the weaknesses in their own game. Rookies get better as they learn. And if you check the lineups you’d be surprised to find the combo of Poole Corey Kyshawn Bilal Sarr is +11 in court together. (In 88 minutes but still). The Bilal Key combo looks promising.

Middleton will probably pick up his option and play for half the season. Bucks fans are right that the dude has never put up a negative +/- on any team.

Our front office seems to do a good job of developing young talent. With a decent eye for picking that talent. We’ll add 2 or 3 more in this draft. Never know but one late pick may surprise coming out the gate. A fluke win streak and we are a few combinations away from losing our pick to New York. Worse really: losing both our pick and the chance for a phoenix pick swap.

So no. If we don’t land an all star alpha scorer in the lotto, I’m okay kicking that can down the road one more year.

I expect our brain trust at the top reads it similarly.

Cooper
Harper

A debate between Maluach, Ace, Asa Newell. Whomever their scouts like the upside of and who interviews well.

Recalling that they like
Positional size. Multi position defense.
Smarts and attitude.
Raw athletic upside.

I think that puts Maluach ahead as the biggest in positional size advantage. Able to defend inside out. Smart. And with untapped offensive upside. Unfinished. But still scoring with silly efficiency as a rim running big.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

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